So it might as well have come to a close against a star-studded Detroit squad.

Two of the Red Wings’ biggest stars — Pavel Datsyuk and Jimmy Howard — played prominent roles in Detroit’s 3-2 win over the Bruins at the TD Garden this afternoon. Datsyuk scored a goal in regulation and one in the shootout and Howard stopped 41 of 43 shots over the game’s 65 minutes to end the Bruins’ winning streak at 10.

First time I have seen the Red Wings play live and Datsyuk did not disappoint. It seems like whenever he has the puck everyone on the ice stands there and watches him. Afternoon games are always tough for the Bruins for some reason, and I was impressed how they played hard and came out with a point. Looking foreword to seeing Stuart and Wheeler tonight, both for completely different reasons.

Great game. Happy this one didn’t go the way of the Red Wings games last year… the point is nice (thank you Patrice), but you had to know if it went to a shootout Datsyuk et al were going to be tough to handle.

GREAT GAME TO WATCH. LOVED CHARA’S RESPONSE TO DAITSUK OR HOWEVER YOU SPELL HIM IN THE THIRD PERIOD. WE HAD A LOT OF CHANCES AND SPEED WAS GREAT. HATS OFF TO OUR ENERGY LINE ALL THREE PLAYERS PLAYED GREAT WITH THORNTON REALLY HAVING THE SHIFT OF THE GAME IN THE THIRD. THE TEAMS OUT WEST PLAY A HIGH SPEED NO HITTING GAME AND WE ADJUSTED WELL. FOR ALL OF NBC’S SLANT TOWARDS THE RED WINGS I’LL BET YOU THE RED WINGS ARE HAPPY THEY DON’T PLAY US IN THE SAME CONFERENCE PHSICALLY THEY COULD NEVER HOLD UP OVER THE COURSE OF A SEASON!

I think the Bruins played a pretty good first, and otherwise the game had a lot of flow, really exciting to watch! If this is a letdown, then I’m all for it. That was way more exciting and intense than the Columbus game. Loved our two goals by the way, talk about punishing small lapses in focus! Horton, despite a great assist, whiffed on one too many beauties for my liking.

Agreed, almost a playoff-like atmosphere and intensity. However, it seemed to me (other than brief stretches) that the Wings had a lot more possession time. After winning 10 straight, its understandable, but hope they get back on the goal barrage against Winnipeg.